I Need Help With... Life.
SimplyShane
Registered Users Posts: 153 Major grins
There is no easy way to say this, but as my title suggests, I need help.
At the end of May, I graduated from college with a Bachelor's degree in Art and minors in both Graphic Design and Writing.
Unfortunately, job offers have been quite scarce. Though my hometown of Sioux City, Iowa is far from rural, it isn't exactly New York either. It's hard to find real opportunities here.
Case in point: In mid-July, after having been jobless for two months, I decided to apply for a Photo Technician job at a local Walmart. I didn't want to do this, but my rent wasn't going to pay itself and I needed some kind of income to survive.
And though I *have* been in worse situations, I find myself longing to be free of the monotonous chore that is now my job. As I have quickly discovered, being a Photo Center employee has little to do with photography and everything to do with merchandising. Call me conceited, but I truly feel that I am capable of much greater things.
However, I don't know where to go from here. I do know that I long to pursue photography as a career because I love it with all of my being, but passion is never enough. There is still a great deal of information I must learn, but I lack the funds necessary to afford even basic equipment. (For instance: I have *never* used a dedicated flash unit on my camera. I have never used ANY kind studio gear. In all honesty, I'm really just a novice that happens to have 2 years of practice.)
Knowing all of this...Where do I turn? I know that I must live my own life, but right now I am sincerely lost and need help, as pathetic as that might sound.
Should I pursue graduate school? Should I try to find another job and hope for the best? Do I just stay at Walmart and consider myself lucky to even have a job in this wretched economy?
I just..dont..know.
At the end of May, I graduated from college with a Bachelor's degree in Art and minors in both Graphic Design and Writing.
Unfortunately, job offers have been quite scarce. Though my hometown of Sioux City, Iowa is far from rural, it isn't exactly New York either. It's hard to find real opportunities here.
Case in point: In mid-July, after having been jobless for two months, I decided to apply for a Photo Technician job at a local Walmart. I didn't want to do this, but my rent wasn't going to pay itself and I needed some kind of income to survive.
And though I *have* been in worse situations, I find myself longing to be free of the monotonous chore that is now my job. As I have quickly discovered, being a Photo Center employee has little to do with photography and everything to do with merchandising. Call me conceited, but I truly feel that I am capable of much greater things.
However, I don't know where to go from here. I do know that I long to pursue photography as a career because I love it with all of my being, but passion is never enough. There is still a great deal of information I must learn, but I lack the funds necessary to afford even basic equipment. (For instance: I have *never* used a dedicated flash unit on my camera. I have never used ANY kind studio gear. In all honesty, I'm really just a novice that happens to have 2 years of practice.)
Knowing all of this...Where do I turn? I know that I must live my own life, but right now I am sincerely lost and need help, as pathetic as that might sound.
Should I pursue graduate school? Should I try to find another job and hope for the best? Do I just stay at Walmart and consider myself lucky to even have a job in this wretched economy?
I just..dont..know.
0
Comments
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
Don't be down on yourself and life while working as a photo tech. You have a job and need to pay your bills.
Just don't be complacent and settle for this if it is not your goal. Life is what happens to you while you're making plans.
Best of luck.
http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
Thank you for your reply.
I think that's just it for me. I don't know how to plan this out... I don't know where to take this passion.
All I keep hearing is that photography is dying and that amature work is swiftly becoming equivalent to that of the professionals...
It's very depressing and confusing. Is there some kind of counselor I could speak with that would attempt to help me figure this all out? Or at the very least, show me the paths available to take?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
My friend is a very avid car enthusiast from a very young age. He went to school to become a professional mechanic. At the height of his career, he worked on Ferraris, Porsches, Aston Martins, and Maseratis. He drove Ferrari 355s every day as a part of his job and got paid well for his work.
But at the end of the day, he didn't want to come home and work on his own project cars anymore. His passion had turned into his job, and he didn't want to come home to what now felt like 'work'. So he quit being a professional mechanic. And he is now a small business owner of an auto parts distributor and repair service, and he is actually happier.
So my point behind this is that maybe not finding a job in the field of your passion has saved you from the same fate. As you know, photography is quickly becoming a commodity that is being funded by 'day jobs' if you will. So it's not such a bad place to be if you've found yourself in the same boat. Personally, I'd get the most mind-numbing, routine, decently-paying day job I could. And then spend your money and real energy on the passion that makes you happy--photography. Good luck and keep us in the loop. I know you're not alone in facing this dilemma.
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work a 9-5 job instead of the god awful hours bestowed on one by any retail chain......look to advertising agency's, newspapers
(might not be a 9-5 job or it might be a 9PM - 5AM .......look to career builder monster and some of the other resue agency's.....
speaking of resume ageny's .......make sure to look in the Chicago area ... a lot of companies are looking for the person who can
work from home as that cuts commute costs and office space and such.........as for the photography.......if you can't buy a few used
books of amazon, then go to B&N or Borders and use them as a library.......pick the type of photography and just as you have done
while in school...study the hell out of it............there are several pro's on here that have neither studios or use any type of flash.....
dedicated flash is way over rated...standard manual flash units are less likely to break down because their is less electronics in them,
but it does mean that you need a flash meter.....which an old style but new Wein 500 can be had for under $100....they only measure
flash or flash and ambient mix.......then for a few dollars more you can get into the meters taht measure reflected ambient light,
incident ambient light or flash or flash and ambient mix.................There is nothing wrong with starting out shooting strictly with natural light......
Just use your J.O.B. to get a upper level crop sensor cam (something like the Nikon D300 or 300s) or the lower lever full frame (D700) and a good
wa to tele some (Sigma 17-70) then work you way up into the camera manufacturers faster zooms or primes........
Good Luck........Go out and shoot the Tommy Bolin Celebration get artistic shots and send them off to mucsic rags like Rolling Stone and others.....
I know the bands are not the ones on the top forty but if you could swing an interview with Johnny Bolin about his brother Tommy that might help,
since you have minored in writing.........get a blog going showing your graphic art skills and your photography skills...again this might help catch the
attention of an ad agency.....................well I think I have run out of ideas at this time :-}}
Shane-there are professional career counselors available. Sometimes, your university will have one you can work with post-graduation. I bet if you Google for it, you can find one in your neck of the woods. Even better, you could ask for referrals from friends/family. A good friend of mine who has a job that pays very well but that he doesn't much like just went to go see one, and it was the best thing he could have done.
In terms of strategic planning (which is what I think you're after), I would recommend looking at resources on the internet or via a bookstore. As a starting place, I've always found it helpful-and less overwhelming-to work backwards. Ask yourself, "What would I like to be doing in 5 years?" and then ask yourself what the steps are to get there, starting in the future and working toward the present. This process has worked well for me, and helped get me to where I am in my career today.
On a personal note: The other day I was bemoaning my advancing age, bringing diminished physical abilities, reduced earnings opportunities, lost opportunities, etc. Thank you for reminding me how lucky I am. I wouldn't trade places with you for anything. Life's been good to me.
I expect life will be good to you too. You obviously aren't afraid to ask for help and advice. You aren't content to just exist. I wish you well.
Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
As stated above....Your college, especially if it has a School of Business and even if it doesn't, should ahve career counsolors for you and they usually want to get apointments started just before commencement ceremonies......at least they used to here At Wichita State U................... It seems that most of the really good counselors always know where to find the jobs in the fields of the students
they are counseling.................
The overall tone of your message was quite positive, but one thing you have said manages to sting me despite your intentions:: "I wouldn't trade places with you for anything. Life's been good to me."
Damn.
Though I realize that you've probably never had the great misfortune of working in retail, throwing it in my face like that just doesn't feel very pleasant.
Next time, please watch your tongue...lest it brings ire.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
I do appreciate your response.
However, your sentence structure is a bit hard to follow, so it might take me awhile to digest this. :-P That's okay though, because I can tell you've got some really solid advice for me here. I'm particularly encouraged about what you have said about flashes and lighting. I'm glad to know that not everyone needs or uses such expensive equipment.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
I've heard this argument before. Many, many times. However, the thing that bothers me about it is this:: It assumes that you CAN NOT enjoy your job. That it must be done for money alone...
I just don't like that thought much. However, I suppose I'm reaching too far. To get paid to do what you absolutely love almost NEVER happens in this world...
Thus is my lot. *headesks*
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
Do these counselors cost money? If so, I must decline the offer. I'm rather poor. (Who isn't working for Walmart?)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
When you're not taking pictures, search out photographers who are shooting what you love to shoot. Find out as much as you can about their careers--e.g., how they got started, how they got their first big break, what their working life is like. You can get a good start just looking at the bio section of a photographer's website. No two career paths are alike. So yours will probably not look like theirs. But finding out how others became professionals could give you ideas on how to pursue your own path to a career.
You are not being conceited to believe in yourself enough to say you can do more than be a photo technician at Walmart. That belief will be necessary to sustain you through the stress, strain and boredom of pursuing a career in a creative field. Nourish that belief by regularly honing your craft and pursuing your creative vision.
Finally, don't be overwhelmed by generalizations about photography dying or amateurs' work being as good as professionals. Yes, some areas of professional photography, such as photojournalism, are shrinking or are paying less. But remember that you don't need to worry about the entire field of photography. You just need to find the work that will sustain you. Let the rest of the photography world take care of itself! As an example, everyone knows that traditional black and white darkrooms and darkroom technicians are disappearing, right? Yet I know a guy who will finish off his career as a traditional black and white darkroom operator because he is one of the last remaining and he's one of the best. Pursue your passion, do some work toward this goal every day and you will find a path that sustains you financially and creatively.
I don't think it means you can't enjoy your job.
Here's my story: I spent the first two years of college in music education. I loved music, playing it, being around it, it was wonderful. Then I started to notice many people who had been in the profession for a long time who just seemed burnt out. It had become "just a job" for them. I decided I did not want that fate, so I changed majors (to electrical engineering... you might say that not much transfers over, which is why I spent 6 yrs getting my BS - oh well). I continued to take some music courses, play in the marching and basketball bands, and had a great time. Since graduating, music has taken on less and less of a role in my life, but occasionally I'll get out the horn and tootle on it a bit. If nothing else, it scares the dog and amuses the kids.
OTOH, I do enjoy my job/career, most of the time anyway. The work is challenging and interesting, and I enjoy my co-workers. I was able to go to grad school and have the bill paid by someone else. But I have a job that I can "leave at the office" and think more about things I enjoy just for their own sake when I go home. It's more of a "traditional" job than that of a high school band director, but that lets me have evenings and weekends with my family and to pursue other interests (like photography).
I have a friend who in the last year decided to take her love of photography professional. She is doing okay at it, although I don't know how much $$$ she's bringing in, but it supplements the family income, and she enjoys it.
The thing is, now that she's shooting for pay, she almost never shoots for fun anymore. She used to take lots of photos of her kids and the fun things they did as a family, but now I think she puts away the gear when she's home, and IMO, that's a shame. Also, when you're doing portraits and weddings, etc, it means you have to be available to work when the customers have free time, which usually means evenings and/or weekends, so that may or may not change the way you schedule your life. Those are both factors in why I never want to go pro in photography. However, I understand that I have a couple of degrees in engineering and a good career for the past 11+ years since I graduated, and therefore I have the luxury of looking at things a little more philosophically than you do. I don't say that to be rude, mean, or condescending. It's just a fact of my life.
Some people are fortunate and get the chance to make a good living doing what they love more than anything. Or they do what they love but don't make a "good" living, but they don't care b/c they're doing what they love. To them I say congratulations, you're living the dream! I hope that you get there eventually, and that whatever that dream is, it never becomes boring or "just a job" to you. But it sounds like you're young and have (most of) your whole life ahead of you. I could say "congrats on graduating and welcome to the real world. It sucks." But I don't agree with that.
The advice already given is good. I'd echo the suggestion of looking into possible career placement assistance/guidance from your college. It may be free for grads or at least very low cost. If not, then just do what you have to do to get the bills paid, and shoot what you love in your free time. Build up your portfolio and keep looking for opportunities. When the chance comes and you're ready for it, go for it! Don't despair, and don't give up hope, life doesn't end at 30 and we all aren't where we want to be within a few months of finishing school. Don't think that taking a retail job a couple of months out of school means that's the end for you or that you'll still be there in 40 years. It's just a start! Life has lots of twists and turns, and who knows, in 10 years you may be absolutely satisfied with your life and you may find that your satisfaction comes from a completely different area than you ever suspected. The best of luck to you.
My site 365 Project
Shane, you're being a little too sensitive here, sir. There's much more behind that gentleman's statement than your job in retail. I can tell you that as an older person and as one who was a Wal-Mart Photo Tech while a liberal arts student.
You asked for advice and most of your responses are to try to dismiss the advice that you've been offered. I think a nice note of thanks to these other people is in order. And dude, if that brings ire, so be it. I can handle that.
Shane, I meant no hurt at all. I'm sorry if my wording was hurtful. I have indeed worked in retail, and it was indeed a "personal growth opportunity"
My comment about trading places was more a comment on MY situation than yours. I've had hideous life experiences, boring ones, exciting ones and transcendently wonderful ones. As superficially attractive as youth may be, I wouldn't give up my experiences just to be your age.
I have a tendency to be too economical with words when trying to express complex ideas. Please accept my apology for stinging you. Raising "ire" doesn't bother me. I seem to be a pro. Causing unwarrented hurt however is something I try to avoid.
Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
Take the job at walmart, or wherever, to pay the bills and spend your free time freelancing your graphic design. In the art world, graphic design and photography are probably faster in generating income than the other art mediums.
Network like mad, regardless of what job or career. Best way in is to know someone.
www.tednghiem.com
Generally, yes, I think career counselors cost money, unless you go to a state employment office (for example, if you were seeking unemployment benefits). However, your university may offer the service free of charge. That's where I would start.
What have I dismissed? The only thing I've cast doubt on is seeing a counselor, as that requires money I don't have at the moment. That being said, I --will-- look into the possibility of going through my university to do this.
And yes, I do apologize for over-reacting to that gentleman's quote. He never meant to harm me and I should have shown him much more respect than I did. You're right. I made a mistake. I'm sorry.
As for the rest, I'm working on replying to everyone. I DO appreciate their time and effort spent messaging me and I'm truly humbled by their act of kindness. I don't deserve it, yet I'm getting it anyway...
That does means a LOT to me.
So please, let's not be bitter. I mean you no harm and only wish you well.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
I accept your apology and offer one in return:: I over-reacted and was immature. That was wrong and I apologize.
Forgive my ignorance. You were only trying to give advice and I needed to respect that much more than I did.
I'll be re-reading your initial post and replying to that shortly.
^_^
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
Yes...reading it again I must say that I WILL be looking into the possibility of getting help from my University.
Thank you very much for the suggestion.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
Now, onto the reply.
----
If you must know one thing about me, it is this:: I **love** photography. If it were a woman, I'd marry her and spend the rest of my life adoring her very existence.
:-P Okay, so that might be a bit much, but the message is clear: Photography is my passion in life.
Thus, I try to find enough time to go out and shoot every day. If I can't, I do the next best thing and spend -many- hours editing my portfolio.
As to what aspect of photography I'm really interested in, I must say that I'm a bit of a mixed bag. My first love has and will remain photographing nature, but I also enjoy working in urban environments and have a deep admiration for street photographers. My forum signature below has a link to my Flickr gallery. Though it's a work in progress, it should give you at least some idea as to what I'm all about.
Finally, I do like what you said about investigating the careers of other professionals. I'm actually going to attend an arts festival in a couple of days which will give me the opportunity to come in contact with a wide-variety of photographers who once upon a time were just like me: Nobodies who happened to love taking pictures.
We'll see how that turns out...I hope for the best.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
So....
Do you know anyone?? :-D *toothy grin*
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengford
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You have a lot of good info and suggestions here.
I would counsel you to read them again, then watch the Gico (I think) commercial on TV where a guy is on a couch and an ex drill sergent is a sociology / counselor.
Follow his advice......good luck and let us know how it goes.
Sam
There is nothing normal about these times. So one point to be made is that you are fortunate to have your job at WalMart, and particularly if it is meeting your subsistence needs. After only two months I would not conclude this is to be your life. There are plenty of people who have been out of work for 9-12 months.
I have been unemployed now for seven months. I am well qualified for a number of things and have had no luck yet. What we see is that many positions that one might casually believe to be necessary are not being filled. Companies are choosing to get by with what they have. People are laid off for budget reasons and people resign and companies choose not to replace them, instead distributing their work among those remaining. Brutally put, work of the sort you seek manages to be a frill for many companies furiously bailing water out of their ships so they don't sink.
A company of any size that has some depth to it may choose to not hire, or not replace, creatives when they hope to even just pay for the electric bill or operating supplies. If you believe that creative agencies must have such people, then yes, they must, but their work has declined greatly because it is their customers who are struggling to stay alive. Companies are staying with their old brochures for now, and their present website designs for now, until things start picking up. In summary, this is probably the absolute worst time you could have ever found to be looking for the sort of work you want.
There are other kinds of work you might find, temporarily, that could pay more than your current job. You can love photography, and that is a lovely ideal, and do some other kind of work.
You are just a kid. Look upon this as a transitional phase. Get tougher. You are going to need it.
I love photography and it is very important to me but my full-time job is in a completely different field. Photography is a side-thing for me that I do because I like it. I would not want to change this.
www.ivarborst.nl & smugmug
Don't buy into this philosophy. Don't turn tougher and cold. You'll lose something of yourself if you do. Just learn from the experiences in your life, and grow as a person and in your understanding of the world--this will not only be valuable to you, but to future employers as well.
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You offer the same advice, you just word it differently.
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